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Dayton favors Minneapolis stadium sites

Gov. Mark Dayton today released his analysis of several plans to build a Vikings stadium in Minnesota, but said he needed more details before he could choose one.

“Regrettably, there is not yet a stadium proposal with a complete and sufficient financial plan, one which assigns equitable obligations to the Vikings, the local partner, and the State of Minnesota,” he said in his written analysis.

Dayton did, however, indicate that two Minneapolis sites were the most viable because legislators would allow the Minneapolis City Council to bypass a referendum for diverting existing sales taxes to the project.

Dayton praised the Linden Avenue site for its proximity to Target Center, Target Field, hotels and restaurants.He said concerns from the Basilica of St. Mary’s would need to be addressed before a deal could be made.

He called Mayor R.T. Rybak’s Metrodome site proposal “meager” because it is only slightly cheaper than Linden Avenue and lacks surrounding economic development potential. Dayton said Rybak’s financial proposal to divert existing sales tax that goes toward the Minneapolis Convention Center is a viable one.

Dayton said the Arden Hills site is problematic because Legislative leaders are unwilling to allow Ramsey County commissioners to bypass a referendum needed to raise its local share of a stadium contribution.

He said the team would have to up its contribution from $425 million to $700 million in order for the Arden Hills proposal to happen.